1
|
Claydon M, Brereton J, Rose P. Never be mute about bird welfare: Swanning around with environmental enrichment. Zoo Biol 2024; 43:83-91. [PMID: 37909672 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) is commonly provided to animals managed under human care, being beneficial to behavioral diversity and improving animal welfare. Use of EE appears to be particularly beneficial to individual wild animals spending a short period of time in captivity, for example, as part of conservation or rehabilitation programs. This paper documents a case study on the application and relevance of EE for a group of captive mute swans housed in a rescue center. Observational data were analyzed for two groups of juvenile swans that were provided with a physical EE device to increase time spent foraging. Periods of no EE were observed and compared to data from when birds were provided with EE. Results show that EE promoted foraging time and helped to reduce long periods of inactivity in captive birds. EE helped to reduce occurrence of captive-focused (i.e., abnormal behaviors) although these was already seen at very low rates. Inactivity as a measure of welfare in captive swans specifically (and waterbirds generally) should be further investigated to understand potential impacts on bird health. Our research shows the benefits of simple and easy-to-use EE devices on captive animal behavior and how use of EE for individuals spending a short amount of time in captivity (e.g., within a rescue center) could ensure diversity of behavior patterns and promote the performance of adaptive behaviors upon release to the wild.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Molly Claydon
- Sparsholt College Hampshire, University Centre Sparsholt, Winchester, UK
- Swan Lifeline, Cuckoo Weir Island, South Meadow Lane, Berkshire, UK
| | - James Brereton
- Sparsholt College Hampshire, University Centre Sparsholt, Winchester, UK
| | - Paul Rose
- Centre for Research in Animal Behavior, Psychology, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
- WWT, Slimbridge Wetland Centre, Gloucestershire, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kurhaluk N, Tkachenko H, Kamiński P. Do the diverse environments of Baltic coastal zone affect hematological and biochemical alterations in the blood of mute swans (Cygnus olor)? ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 214:114014. [PMID: 35948152 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Based on studies of the wintering population of mute swans in large urban agglomerations, it is possible to identify and infer the impact of environmental pollution in coastal regions near Baltic Sea on the physiological and biochemical changes in the blood of waterfowls. Hematological and biochemical changes in the blood in relation to chemical elements in their feathers are a useful tool for general ecophysiological conclusions. Hematological changes and blood chemistry in Mute Swan Cygnus olor is particularly environmentally dependent, therefore we examined hematological picture (red blood cells RBC, white blood cells WBC, heterophiles, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, heterophile to lymphocyte ratio H/L, biochemical indicators (glucose, uric acid, total cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, total protein), stability of erythrocyte membranes, concentration of Ca, P, Mg in the blood, concentration of Al, Zn, Rh, Cu, Ru, Fe, Pb in feathers, in wintering population of 172 mute swans of different age (juvenile, adult) and gender, in three coastal types of areas of Southern Polish zone of Baltic Sea (Słupsk, Gdynia, Sopot). Percentage of changes in the morphological indices in the blood of mute swans with three independent characteristics (environment, sex, age) revealed that hemoglobin content exhibited the highest value (R2 = 53.8%) in the analysis of morphological indices; the effect of RBC, WBC, and basophils was much lower (WBC > RBC > basophils). Male and female erythrocytes from the coastal of Gdynia were more fragile than those of birds from coasts of Sopot and Słupsk. We found that osmotic fragility is altered in juvenile swans from Słupsk area and males from Gdynia area. The consequence was a higher level of hemolyzed erythrocytes in their blood. The effect of type of environment, age-, and sex-related impact on hematological indices and biomarkers of biochemical alterations in the blood of swans and comparison of these data with bioaccumulation of chemical elements in feathers of swans inhabiting 3 types of environment of Baltic coastal zone show significant differences in the hematological and biochemical indices. Albumins and globulins maintain the blood cations balance, however, changes in their concentrations in the blood suggest an impact on physiological mechanisms and body condition of swans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Kurhaluk
- Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Department of Biology, Arciszewski St. 22 B, PL, 76-200, Słupsk, Poland.
| | - Halyna Tkachenko
- Pomeranian University in Słupsk, Institute of Biology and Earth Sciences, Department of Biology, Arciszewski St. 22 B, PL, 76-200, Słupsk, Poland.
| | - Piotr Kamiński
- Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Department of Medical Biology and Biochemistry, Department of Ecology and Environmental Protection, M. Skłodowska-Curie St. 9, PL, 85-094, Bydgoszcz, Poland; University of Zielona Góra, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, Department of Biotechnology, Prof. Z. Szafran St. 1, PL, 65-516, Zielona Góra, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kappers EF, Vries C, Alberda A, Kuhn S, Valcu M, Kempenaers B, Both C. Morph‐dependent fitness and directional change of morph frequencies over time in a Dutch population of Common buzzards
Buteo buteo. J Evol Biol 2020; 33:1306-1315. [DOI: 10.1111/jeb.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Frederika Kappers
- Conservation Ecology Group Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics Max Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | | | | | - Sylvia Kuhn
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics Max Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | - Mihai Valcu
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics Max Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | - Bart Kempenaers
- Department of Behavioural Ecology and Evolutionary Genetics Max Planck Institute for Ornithology Seewiesen Germany
| | - Christiaan Both
- Conservation Ecology Group Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences University of Groningen Groningen The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kucharska K, Binkowski ŁJ, Batoryna M, Dudzik K, Zaguła G, Stawarz R. Blood mercury levels in mute swans (Cygnus olor) are not related to sex, but are related to age, with no blood parameter implications. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 252:21-30. [PMID: 31146235 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.05.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of mercury (Hg) were examined in the blood of mute swans from rural breeding sites and urban wintering areas in southern parts of Poland, Europe. The birds were classified into three age groups: cygnets, juveniles and adults. To investigate the potential impact of Hg on birds, hematocrit (Ht), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and morphometric measurements were taken. Using morphometric parameters, we stated that all mute swans sampled were in good condition. The mercury concentrations found were rather low and differed between birds from industrialized wintering areas and rural breeding areas (means 7 ng/mL and 2 ng/mL, respectively). We found no difference in Hg concentrations between the sexes, but concentrations varied significantly between age groups (cygnets 2 ng/mL, juveniles 7 ng/mL and adults 6 ng/mL). A similar trend was observed for hematocrit levels. GSH levels did not differ between any of the groups studied. We found no significant relationship between blood parameters (Ht, GSH) in relation to Hg concentrations. We conclude that the Hg concentrations in blood may be influenced by industrialization, season and age, but generally low concentration such as those found by us do not affect Ht and GSH levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Kucharska
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Łukasz J Binkowski
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Marta Batoryna
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Dudzik
- Association of Psychoeducation and Environment M. O. S. T., Na Stoku 9/15, 25-437, Kielce, Poland.
| | - Grzegorz Zaguła
- Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, University of Rzeszow, Zelwerowicza 4, 35-601, Rzeszow, Poland.
| | - Robert Stawarz
- Institute of Biology, Pedagogical University of Cracow, Podbrzezie 3, 31-054, Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dolka B, Włodarczyk R, Zbikowski A, Dolka I, Szeleszczuk P, Kluciński W. Hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and biochemical values for mute swans (Cygnus olor). Vet Res Commun 2014; 38:93-100. [PMID: 24458848 PMCID: PMC4021158 DOI: 10.1007/s11259-014-9589-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The knowledge of the correct morphological and biochemical parameters in mute swans is an important indicator of their health status, body condition, adaptation to habitat and useful diagnostic tools in veterinary practice and ecological research. The aim of the study was to obtain hematological parameters in relation to age, sex and serum biochemistry values in wild-living mute swans. We found the significant differences in the erythrocyte count, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and erythrocyte sedimentation rate in relation to age of mute swans. There were no differences in hematological values between males and females. The leukogram and H/L ratio did not vary by age and sex in swans. Among of biochemical parameters the slightly increased AST, ALP, CK, K, urea, decreased CHOL and TG values were recorded. As far as we know, this is the first study in which the morphometric parameters of blood cells in mute swans were presented. We found extremely low concentration of lead in blood (at subtreshold level). No blood parasites were found in blood smears. The analysis of body mass and biometric parameters revealed a significant differences dependent on age and sex. No differences in the scaled mass index were found. Our results represent a normal hematologic and blood chemistry values and age-sex related changes, as reference values for the mute swan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Dolka
- Department of Pathology and Veterinary Diagnostics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Nowoursynowska 159c St., 02-776, Warsaw, Poland,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vergara P, Martinez-Padilla J, Fargallo JA. Differential maturation of sexual traits: revealing sex while reducing male and female aggressiveness. Behav Ecol 2012. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/ars159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
7
|
Ge C, Beauchamp G, Li Z. Coordination and synchronisation of anti-predation vigilance in two crane species. PLoS One 2011; 6:e26447. [PMID: 22028880 PMCID: PMC3197517 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0026447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 09/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Much of the previous research on anti-predation vigilance in groups has assumed independent scanning for threats among group members. Alternative patterns that are based on monitoring the vigilance levels of companions can also be adaptive. Coordination of vigilance, in which foragers avoid scanning at the same time as others, should decrease the odds that no group member is alert. Synchronisation of vigilance implies that individuals are more likely to be vigilant when companions are already vigilant. While synchronisation will increase the odds that no one is vigilant, it may allow a better assessment of potential threats. We investigated temporal sequences of vigilance in family flocks consisting of two parents and at most two juveniles in two species of cranes in coastal China. We established whether the observed probability that at least one parent is alert was greater (coordination) or lower (synchronisation) than that predicted under the null hypothesis of independent vigilance. We documented coordination of vigilance in common cranes (Grus grus) foraging in an area with high potential for disturbance by people. We documented synchronisation of vigilance in red-crowned cranes (Grus japonensis) in the less but not in the more disturbed area. Coordination in small flocks leads to high collective vigilance but low foraging rates that may not be suitable in areas with low disturbance. We also argue that synchronisation should break down in areas with high disturbance because periods with low vigilance are riskier. Results highlight the view that temporal patterns of vigilance can take many forms depending on ecological factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Ge
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guy Beauchamp
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Zhongqiu Li
- The State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Science, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hawkins GL, Hill GE, Mercadante A. Delayed plumage maturation and delayed reproductive investment in birds. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2011; 87:257-74. [PMID: 21790949 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-185x.2011.00193.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Delayed plumage maturation is the delayed acquisition of a definitive colour and pattern of plumage until after the first potential breeding period in birds. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the numerous studies of delayed plumage maturation and a revised theoretical framework for understanding the function of delayed plumage maturation in all birds. We first distinguish between hypotheses that delayed plumage maturation is attributable to a moult constraint with no adaptive function and hypotheses that propose that delayed plumage maturation is a component of an adaptive life-history strategy associated with delayed reproductive investment. We then recognize three potential benefits of delayed plumage maturation: crypsis, mimicry and status signaling. Evidence suggests that delayed plumage maturation is not a consequence of developmental constraints and instead represents a strategy to maximize reproductive success in circumstances where young adults cannot effectively compete with older adults for limited resources, particularly breeding opportunities. A multi-factorial explanation that takes into account lifespan and the degree of competition for limited breeding resources and that combines the benefits of an inconspicuous appearance with the benefits of honest signaling of reduced competitiveness provides a general explanation for the function of delayed plumage maturation in most bird species. Delayed plumage maturation should be viewed as a component of alternative reproductive strategies that can include delay in both plumage and sexual development. Such strategies are frequently facultative, with individuals breeding prior to the acquisition of definitive plumages when conditions are favourable. Presumably, the benefits of delayed plumage maturation ultimately enhance lifetime reproductive success, and studying delayed plumage maturation within the context of lifetime reproductive success should be a goal of future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gerard L Hawkins
- Elias, Matz, Tiernan & Herrick, LLP, 11th Floor, 734 15th Street, N. W., Washington D.C. 20005, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
DREISS AMELIEN, ROULIN ALEXANDRE. Age-related change in melanin-based coloration of Barn owls (Tyto alba): females that become more female-like and males that become more male-like perform better. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2010. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2010.01503.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
10
|
Grande JM, Serrano D, Tavecchia G, Carrete M, Ceballos O, Díaz-Delgado R, Tella JL, Donázar JA. Survival in a long-lived territorial migrant: effects of life-history traits and ecological conditions in wintering and breeding areas. OIKOS 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2009.17218.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
11
|
Grande JM, Serrano D, Tavecchia G, Carrete M, Ceballos O, Díaz-Delgado R, Tella JL, Donázar JA. Survival in a long-lived territorial migrant: effects of life-history traits and ecological conditions in wintering and breeding areas. OIKOS 2009. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0706.2008.17218.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
12
|
Karubian J, Sillett TS, Webster MS. The effects of delayed plumage maturation on aggression and survival in male red-backed fairy-wrens. Behav Ecol 2008. [DOI: 10.1093/beheco/arm159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
|
13
|
|
14
|
Mougeot F, Arroyo BE, Bretagnolle V. Paternity assurance responses to first-year and adult male territorial intrusions in a courtship-feeding raptor. Anim Behav 2006. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anbehav.2005.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
15
|
Berggren A, Armstrong DP, Lewis RM. Delayed plumage maturation increases overwinter survival in North Island robins. Proc Biol Sci 2004; 271:2123-30. [PMID: 15475331 PMCID: PMC1691846 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2004.2846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many bird species show delayed plumage maturation (DPM), retaining sub-adult plumage until after their first breeding season. Most explanations assume that DPM increases fitness over the breeding season. However, unless birds undergo a full moult before breeding, DPM could also be an adaptation to increase survival over the previous winter. The winter adaptation hypothesis has never been tested owing to the difficulty of measuring overwinter survival. We experimentally tested this hypothesis in North Island robins (Petroica longipes) using a closed island population where we could accurately estimate survival. The experiment involved dyeing 41 juveniles to mimic adult males, and comparing their survival with 41 control juveniles treated with the same peroxide base minus the pigment. The population was monitored with a series of resighting surveys, and mark-recapture analysis used to estimate overwinter survival. Survival probability was estimated to be 10% for dyed birds versus 61% for control birds in 2001, and 29% for dyed birds versus 40% for control birds in the winter of 2002, supporting the winter adaptation hypothesis for DPM. Access to suitable habitat is the key factor limiting juvenile survival in this population, and the locations where dyed juveniles were sighted suggest that they were often excluded from suitable areas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Asa Berggren
- Ecology Group, Massey University, Private Bag 11 222, Palmerston North, New Zealand.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Livezey BC. Evolution of Flightlessness in Rails (Gruiformes: Rallidae): Phylogenetic, Ecomorphological, and Ontogenetic Perspectives. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2003. [DOI: 10.2307/40168337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|